Farnese ‘Cerasuolo’ Rosé 2010
DOC Montepulciano d’Abruzzo $8.95 (233429) 13.0% alcohol
Here’s a lovely value-laden, candy-apple Rosé with subtle aromas of woodland strawberries packing a fruity punch on the palate. Dry and fresh with the taste of red cherries and berries and a hint of sweet spice, the fruit’s nicely balanced with a lively seam of acidity. Savoury and flavourful, it’s a tasty sipper on its own or a good match with grilled chicken and mushroom salad. (Susan Desjardins)
Trumpeter Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Mendoza, Argentina $12.95 (218842) 13.5% alcohol
Excellent value, complex flavours, balanced to perfection… how’s that? Spice box, charry toast and berry fruit on the nose, there’s a flavour-laden gusher over the palate—bright red cherry and ripe sweet mulberry—borne along on a mid-weight generously textured underpinning. The balanced tangy aftertaste lingers, but you shouldn’t. Pick up a few to pour with ribs, steak, burgers, whatever you pull off the BBQ. (Vic Harradine)
Trumpour’s Mill ‘Estate Bottled’ Pinot Gris 2010
VQA Prince Edward County $14.95 (69336) 12.5% alcohol
Light-pink hues presage glorious aromas of honeysuckle, whiffs of rosewater and tropical fruit. Riveting waves of citrus acidity—lemon zest and white grapefruit—stream throughout with nuances of apricot and lemongrass. It’s paired well with freshly shucked oysters or mussels steamed in this white wine. (Vic Harradine)
Trumpour’s Mill ‘Estate Bottled’ Pinot Noir 2008
VQA Prince Edward County $16.95 (230227) 13.0% alcohol
Garnet hued, this offers classic aromas of beetroot, red cherry, cranberry and smoky vegetal, herbal notes. Dry, light bodied and taut, the aromas replay on the palate riding a wave of vigorous acidity. Hints of roasted peppers and garden herbs persist on the dry finish. Decant prior to serving with herb-roasted lamb. (Susan Desjardins)
Trumpour’s Mill Riesling 2009
VQA Prince Edward County $12.05 (28258) 12.0% alcohol
This pale-straw hued, light-on-its-feet beauty sports aromas of citrus, melon, mineral and a whiff of petrol. Sweet fruit and key lime pie flavours ride on a silky texture framed by tangy acidity and it’s lengthy and lip-smacking good on the finish. The price-quality ratio skews in your favour—sip chilled on the patio with light appetizers. (Susan Desjardins)
Sogrape ‘Vila Regia Reserva’ 2008
DO Douro, Portugal $12.95 (613950) 13.0% alcohol
Aromas of rich, ripe, dark, berry fruit, cedar and spice cake stream from this juicy tangy blend of four of the top Port grapes. Balanced flavours of savoury red cherry and cranberry interweave with ripe mulberry on the palate and lengthy finish. It’s mid weight and nicely textured with good acidity and a grainy tannin underpinning. It earned its final half star on good value. It struts its stuff with spicy food—wings or ribs work well. (Vic Harradine)